Mark Nelson, Rush City Regional Airport Manager, [email protected], 612-554-7872
How did you get involved in aviation?
My brother-in-law and another friend were both taking flight lessons and convinced me to do an introductory flight in 1993. I was a bit nervous on my first lesson, but I had already purchased books, so I tried a few more lessons and I got hooked. I enjoyed training so I continued working on additional ratings and eventually I started Hawk Aviation Inc. in 1999, which my family and I still operate. Currently, we have 17 instructors that serve in some capacity or another.
What are some highlights from your aviation career?
The aviation community is very tight knit. I can't believe how many great friends that I have made and people met along the way. I am a Gold Seal CFII-MEI and I have been instructing for nearly 27 years. Throughout this process, I have had the pleasure watching our three children (triplets) become commercial pilots and develop a love for aviation. I also have logged nearly 15,000 hours as a pilot. I served as first officer and captain with SkyWest Airlines for 9 years. My role as airport manager has given me the experience to see behind the scenes of airport operations.
What are the most important issues in Minnesota aviation?
I have always been impressed with MnDOT Aeronautics. Compared to many other states that I have visited, MnDOT provides a variety of services to pilots and airports located in our state. Educational opportunities offered by MnDOT Aeronautics, the Minnesota Council of Airports, and others are priceless. AWOS and ASOS weather systems, in addition to access to computers for flight planning located at many of the airports around the state, are extremely helpful for all pilots based here or just visiting. I would like to see the funding for airport projects continue and possibly increase.
What are your ideas to improve aviation in Minnesota?
- More funding for the T-hangar construction program.
- Explore ways to improve relationships between the Minnesota aviation community and the sovereign tribal nations within the state.
- Assistance to help airports work with the FAA to develop instrument flight rules approaches to all available runways.
In addition to his role as president and chief instructor at Hawk Aviation, Mark serves as a board member and past president with the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association as well as a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.